County councillors demand action on city pay-and-display machines after visitor fines

Visitors to Galway city are being caught out by ongoing confusion over pay and display parking meters and are receiving fines as a result.

Published 6th Jul 2026, 07:30 BST Updated 6th Jul 2026, 08:00 BST Connacht Tribune Visitors to Galway city are being caught out by ongoing confusion over pay and display parking meters and are receiving fines as a result. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

That’s according to Independent Ireland Cllr Declan Geraghty who is calling on Galway City Council to restore and improve parking payment options.

Cllr Geraghty said that rural visitors in particular are being caught out by the current system and raised the issue at at last month’s meeting of Galway County Council.

He turned the spotlight onto their counterparts in Galway City Council, urging it to address problems with pay-and-display parking machines.

While the parking machines are the responsibility of Galway City Council, county councillors say action is urgently needed.

I don't think it's fair on country people coming into the city that they are treated this way

He has called on the local authority to write to Galway City Council outlining councillors' concerns.

"Country people are giving out about it," he said. "People who went to the match when Galway were playing didn't know how to use it, and a number of people were issued with parking tickets.

"I don't think it's fair on country people coming into the city that they are treated this way. They are spending money in the city."

Currently, parking in Galway city can be paid for using the parking app, at Payzone outlets or over the phone.

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Meanwhile, the city's parking meters remain covered and no longer accept cash or card payments.

Cllr Tomás Ó Curraoín (RepSF) also voiced his frustration with the system and urged the City Council to rethink cashless parking.

"Where has the common sense gone that they can't accommodate people who want to put their €2 in the machine?" he said.

"It doesn't make sense the way they've gone about it. If we go to Salthill, we're in trouble. Something has to be done with the City Council. Not everyone is comfortable using the app. It's not fair. The City Council needs to get its act together."

Chief Executive Liam Conneally said he noted the sentiments expressed by elected representatives in relation to the parking payment system.